Facilities Committee narrows it down

     The future of the Monticello Community School District was in the hands, and minds, of the School Facilities Committee last week as they came to a consensus on the concept of a central campus for grades preK-12, all on the current high school site.

     During their April 4 meeting at the district office, the committee was in approval of a two-phase master plan, with two opportunities to bond.

     The plan is subject to approval by the Monticello School Board. They will discuss the plan during their April 11 work session, and look to approve it April 23 at their regular board meeting.

     The first bond would come this September for a new 5-8 building at 60,800 square feet. Construction costs are estimated at $17.7 million, with total project costs at $20.3 million.

     A second bond, which would be issued 15-20 years down the road, would allow for the construction of a preK-4 addition, with construction costs at $10.7 million. Total project costs would be $12.3 million.

     The 5-8 building would look to utilize $2 million from the district’s SAVE (Secure an Advanced Vision for Education) fund, $15 million from General Obligation Bonds, and $3 million from Revenue Bonds, for a total of $20 million.

     The district’s bonding capacity sits at $21.6 million through 2029. The high school bond was paid off early in 2016.

     Superintendent Brian Jaeger said the district does not plan to utilize any PPEL (Physical Plant and Equipment Levy) funds for the facilities project.

     “We did a five-year plan for that fund. We renewed it for 10 years and left it the same with that in mind to be able to fund some other things we’re doing in the district,” he said. Those projects include: 1:1 technology, purchase school buses, and repair the track.

     The estimated costs do not include a new transportation center, which was proposed for relocation at either the current middle school or Shannon School sites; a competition gym addition at the high school; a new high school baseball field; and HVAC/exterior improvements to the high school.

     The new additions would include a new auxiliary gym for the younger grades.

     “Every session has started to lay the groundwork for the story of what you’re doing, why you’re doing it and where you’re trying to head over a relatively short period of time,” said Roger Worm with OPN Architects. “The last couple of meetings, we’ve started to drill down a better definition and direction.”

     After the Facilities Committee defined its budget, what they feel the district voters would support, they started working backwards to address the district’s needs.

     The first priority really seemed to be the need for a new middle school, with the current middle school at almost 100 years old.

     “Over the last few months we’ve looked over a dozen different schemes,” added Worm. “And a lot of those schemes came from the audience.”

     The district held several public open house events, community meetings, and tours of the middle school to gain public comment, which went into the decision made last week.

     In creating a central campus, Worm said it’s an ideal location. “You have a nice piece of property that works. Your facilities could all work there. You have infrastructure already out there (water, sewer, major systems/utilities, and a geothermal well field).”

     Lisa Stadtmueller questioned the safety of Highway 38/E. Oak Street with increased traffic at a central campus. “I get the logic, but a lot of people will still vote ‘no’ because one main campus will add congestion to one part of town,” she said. “Will that kill this plan?”

     Jaeger said if this solution isn’t the ideal plan, then what is? “Is there an alternative?” he asked. “The truth is, we’re limited on our options. We’ve seen a lot of different ideas, and this seems to be the one that makes sense in the long run.”

     OPN said building the other facilities at the high school site also cuts down on the costs associated with purchasing land elsewhere in town.

     There was also the question of increasing taxes to help pay for the first bond. Jaeger said the district has tried to keep taxes down.

     “We have no debt,” he said. The tax was at $14 per $1,000; it’s now at $12. In fact, the MCSD sits in the bottom half of school districts statewide in terms of taxes, shared Jaeger.

     While the eminent need is the middle school, OPN reminded the committee that Shannon and Carpenter Elementary schools are close to 60 years old. Another 20 years down the road, more needs would arise.

     “Your needs don’t go away at the other buildings,” said Vicki Hyland with OPN.

     That prompted the committee to present to the public the facilities project as a two-phase master plan.

     Worm said the district wouldn’t necessarily have to wait 20 years before bonding again for the preK-4 addition.

     Kim Boyd said, personally, she would have a hard time supporting the plan without a second phase to address the elementary grades.

     “You’ll have better buy-in (from the community) when they can see the big picture,” commented Angie McDonough.

     Cammie Greif said all of the teachers and staff from all levels would need to be on board with the proposal, so as not to spread discourse through the community, hampering the bond vote.

     Aimee Hospodarsky, elementary school counselor, said not a day goes by that she doesn’t wish to see one elementary building in town. “But I think this is our next best step,” she said. “We have to do something.” She said project is something the Facilities Committee has been talking about since last July. “We didn’t make this decision over night,” added Hospodarsky. “I like this plan because it includes every one, and the preK-4 will be the cheapest and best way to finish it off.”

     The committee also asked for comments from the school board members who were present.

     “The board all wants to be on the same page,” said Jaeger. “That’s their highest priority.”

     School board member John Schlarmann said if the committee feels a center campus makes the most sense, he would support it. “That’s why you have committees like this,” he said, thanking the group for their dedication.